Diseases — Wound Infection

Overview

Wound Infection is a status effect caused by treating open wounds with non-disinfected rags or bandages. If left untreated, it progresses from Stage 1 to a lethal Stage 2, causing rapid health drain and eventual death.

How It Works

Wound infection occurs when you bandage a bleeding wound using a Rag or Face Wrap that has not been disinfected with Tincture or Alcohol. Once infected, you will see a biohazard symbol in your status UI. You have a limited window to treat it before it enters Stage 2, characterized by shivering and significant health loss. Treatment requires active antibiotics or a combination of disinfectants and sterile dressings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check your inventory for your current bandages or rags; if they are not labeled "Disinfected," do not use them on open wounds.
2. If you are already infected, consume one Tetracycline antibiotic immediately.
3. Wait for the pill icon to disappear, then consume another Tetracycline to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
4. If you lack antibiotics, disinfect your existing rags/bandages using Alcoholic Tincture or Disinfectant Spray.
5. Replace your currently applied bandages with the now-disinfected ones to halt the progression of the infection.
6. Keep your food and water levels white (full) to boost your natural immunity and accelerate recovery.

Tips

• Always keep a bottle of Alcoholic Tincture or Disinfectant Spray in your inventory to treat found rags.
• Rags found in the world are rarely clean; assume they are infected until you treat them yourself.
• Disinfected bandages are the safest way to patch wounds; they are lightweight and do not require further action.
• If you run out of medical supplies, prioritize finding a Medical Center or Hospital in high-tier loot zones like Tisy or NWAF.
• Watch your status icons; the infection icon is distinct from the flu or chemical poisoning icons.

Common Mistakes

• Using found rags or face masks immediately without checking their status in the inventory menu.
• Assuming that washing your hands cleans your rags (it does not).
• Waiting too long to take Tetracycline, allowing the infection to reach the critical health-draining stage.
• Using a dirty bandage repeatedly on new wounds, which maintains or worsens the infection state.

Related Items

• Tetracyclineantibiotics
• Vitaminbottle
• Rags
• Disinfectant Spray
• Alcoholic Tincture

Related Guides

• Combat Medicine
• Base Hygiene
• Looting Military Zones